One of the biggest challenges for an NFL special teams coordinator is the fact that there’s so much roster turnover on their six (not one—six) phases each year.
Heading into the 2023 season, Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub must find a way to replace the production of several special teams contributors from 2022. These players, among others, saw an abundance of special teams snaps in 2022 for the Chiefs and are not on the team’s roster ahead of training camp:
- Cornerback Chris Lammons (free agent)
- Defensive lineman Khalen Saunders (Saints)
- Fullback Michael Burton (Broncos)
- Linebackers Darius Harris and Elijah Lee (free agents)
- Offensive lineman Andrew Wylie (Commanders)
- Receivers Mecole Hardman (Jets) and Marcus Kemp (Commanders)
In addition to those eight players, the following currently-rostered Chiefs saw significant special teams snaps in 2022 as well, but could either not make the Chiefs’ roster or take a reduced special teams role in favor of heavier roles on offense/defense in 2023:
- Cornerbacks Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams
- Defensive end George Karlaftis
- Linebackers Cole Christiansen and Jack Cochrane
- Offensive linemen Lucas Niang and Prince Tega Wanogho
- Receivers Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney
- Running back Isiah Pacheco
- Safeties Deon Bush, Bryan Cook and Nazeeh Johnson
Luckily for Toub, every year there’s an influx of rookies and fringe-roster players who are hungry to make the team by contributing in any way possible, including on special teams where many players (particularly rookies) pay their dues.
In 2023 the Chiefs brought in 20 total rookies — seven through the draft and 13 undrafted. Each special teams phase could utilize many of those rookies in some fashion — here’s how.